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Origin and history

The Saint-Florentin church of Amboise was built at the request of Louis XI between 1473 and 1484, in order to replace the parish church of the royal castle, considered too exposed to the risk of contagion. The king granted funds through a salt tax to finance the works, and the building was dedicated in 1484. Its bell tower, originally Gothic, was modified in the early 16th century with the addition of a Renaissance dome, reflecting the architectural evolution of the period.

In the 19th century, the church underwent major restorations in 1876: the wooden vault was replaced by a stone vault, and the unique nave was divided into three parts. The stained glass windows, destroyed during the Second World War, were replaced in 1956 by original works by Max Ingrand, a glass artist who also worked at the Saint-Hubert Chapel of Amboise Castle. The building, closed for safety reasons, reopens to the public in the 2000s after work.

The church is closely linked to French royal history: it houses the baptism in 1518 of a son of Francis I and Queen Claude. Its apse, integrated with the fortifications of the city, and its southern gate adorned with a Gothic archvolt, testify to its central role in the parish and defensive life of Amboise. Ranked a historic monument in 1963, it remains a notable example of the Touraine's religious heritage.

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